Tumbler Jar Drinking Systems

ABSTRACT

A tumbler jar drinking system for providing a non-drip, smooth surface from which to drink a beverage contained in a tumbler jar. The tumbler jar drinking device may be removably coupled to a tumbler jar by anyone wishing to alter the appearance of a tumbler jar and/or may wish to eliminate cutting hazards that may be present on the rim of a tumbler jar should the rim be chipped. The tumbler jar drinking device has means to attach to a tumbler jar and a seal to retain liquid and prevent drips on the outside of a tumbler jar. When in an installed condition, the user may have unrestricted access to the contents of the tumbler jar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 62/125,368, filed Jan. 21, 2015 which application is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to the field of drinkware accessories and more specifically relates to tumbler jar drinking systems.

2. Description of Related Art

Throughout history, vessels used to hold beverages have evolved. Before glass was invented, people used clay to create ceramic objects in the shape of mugs and cups. These vessels were heavy and not very elegant but, at the time, they were economical to make. After the method to manufacture glass was normalized, making objects from glass became simpler and more economical than previous ceramic producing methods.

There are several important characteristics of glass objects. Glass can be molded into any shape and size, which is unlike ceramics materials that need thickness and bulk to maintain shape. In addition, glass material is easy to clean and sterilize because it doesn't react with most acids and substances. Its chemical resistance is a reason why it is widely used in homes and hospitals. Glass has another important quality: its clarity. Foods, beverages, pantry supplies, craft supplies and other items that may be stored in a glass vessel are readily identifiable when stored in clear, glass containers.

Canning and preserving foods during peak harvest times has long been an economical practice. Because of the superior aforementioned cleaning and sterilizing characteristics of glass, it is the material of choice to use for containers manufactured for canning and preserving jars. Canning and preserving jars also have other desirable characteristics. They are durable and made for being used and cleaned and sterilized many times, making them more environmentally responsible than single-use, disposable preservation means. Canning and preserving jars typically have wide openings and straight, non-textured sides which contribute to their desirable cleaning and sterilization qualities. In addition, these types of jars are sturdy and can withstand temperature extremes such as the high temperatures required for sterilization required for safe canning and preservation of food, as well as low temperature extremes, for instances when freezing foods is the preferred method of preservation.

Canning and preserving jars are versatile and have many uses other than food preservation. Due to their cleaning, sterilization, durability, thermal, and clarity qualities, they are often used as beverage containers, as well. Hot and cold beverages alike are readily recognized when served in a canning jar. Canning and preserving jars are manufactured with various volumes, allowing for beverages to be served in a size appropriate to the served beverage and for the size and age of the beverage drinker as well.

Although convenient for beverage use, there are some drawbacks to using canning and preserving jars as beverage containers. The neck of canning and preserving jars include a raised thread to facilitate attaching a screw-on lid or canning ring. The raised thread can interfere with a drinker's lips ability to make full lip contact with the jar neck. Full lip contact is necessary to create a seal to allow the drinking liquid to flow in to the drinker's mouth without undesirable drips between the lips and the jar neck. In addition, because glass does occasionally chip and leave a surface sharp enough to cut skin, a drinker may not observe that the jar has a sharp edge and can cut their lip when attempting to drink from the chipped jar. A solution which addresses the lip seal dripping and glass chipping issues may be to use a plastic drinking straw to drink from a canning or preserving jar. However, the general disadvantage to using straws is that they are not typically suitable for use when drinking hot beverages, and they are not recyclable and contribute to landfill waste. A suitable solution is desired.

Several attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. D717,103 to Wilbur; U.S. Pat. No. D696,584 to Resnikoff et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. D682,612 to Rzepecki; U.S. Pat. No. 4,415,095 to Schweigert et. al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,348,078 to Lane; U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,601 to Van Melle; U.S. Pat. No. 5,553,731 to Schuyler; U.S. Pat. No. 4,184,604 to Amberg, et.al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,100,885 to Kapplinger; U.S. Pat. No. 8,640,904 to Steininger, et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,908,942 to Mitchell; U.S. Pat. No. 7,500,647 to Lefferson, et. al.; U.S. Pat. No. 7,168,337 to Carmo; U.S. Pat. No. RE37,213 to Staggs; U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,224 to Holte; U.S. Pat. No. 5,301,433 to Rogers. This art is representative of drinkware accessories. However, none of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed.

Preferably, tumbler jar drinking means should provide a functional and safety component for use with a beverage container and, yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable tumbler jar drinking system to avoid the above-mentioned problems.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known drinkware accessories art, the present invention provides a novel tumbler jar drinking system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide a functional and safety drinking accessory for a beverage container.

Tumbler jar drinking systems is disclosed herein, in a preferred embodiment, comprising a tumbler jar drinking device, which may comprise non-porous material to provide a non-drip, smooth surface from which to drink a beverage contained in a tumbler jar. The tumbler jar drinking device may be removably coupleable to an opening on a top of a tumbler jar.

The tumbler jar drinking device may comprise a body, a circumference, an inner surface, an outer surface and a length. The body may comprise a circumference, which may comprise an inner surface, an outer surface, and a length. The inner surface may comprise suitable attachment means and a seal. The seal for example may comprise an annular ring useful for retaining a liquid. The outer surface may be defined by a top-end, which may comprise a rounded surface, and a bottom-end, which may comprise a flat-planar surface.

The circumference of the tumbler jar drinking device may comprise an open area useful for unrestricted access to the contents of the tumbler jar. The attachment means may comprise a continuous mating thread to removably couple with the tumbler jar. The tumbler device may be coupled and uncoupled to a tumbler jar with minimal effort.

The tumbler jar drinking system may comprise a kit, including a tumbler jar drinking device and a set of instructions. A method of using a tumbler jar drinking system as disclosed herein may comprise the steps of placing a tumbler jar drinking device on the tumbler jar, rotating the tumbler jar drinking device until a continuous mating thread may be fully engaged (or otherwise coupled), and drinking a beverage from an assembled tumbler jar drinking device and tumbler jar (as combined).

Generally speaking, a tumbler jar drinking device may comprise a plurality of sizes to accommodate a range of sizes of tumbler jars with varying sizes of openings. Further embodiments of tumbler jar drinking devices may comprise materials such as ceramic materials, and may comprise a plurality of colors and patterns useful for providing a decorative look appropriate to an occasion where tumbler jar drinking devices may be used.

The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a tumbler jar drinking system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, tumbler jar drinking systems, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view illustrating a tumbler jar drinking system during an ‘in-use’ condition showing a tumbler jar drinking device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking system comprising a tumbler jar drinking device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking system comprising a tumbler jar drinking device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a cutaway view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking system comprising a tumbler jar drinking device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a bottom perspective view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking device according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-2.

FIG. 4A is another perspective view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking device (as un-coupled) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 4B is another perspective view illustrating the tumbler jar drinking device (as coupled) according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of use for the tumbler jar drinking system according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4B.

The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a drinkware accessories and more particularly to a tumbler jar drinking system as used to improve the functionality of specific beverage container devices, namely tumbler jars.

Generally speaking, the tumbler jar drinking device may be removably coupled to a tumbler jar by anyone wishing to alter the appearance and improve the drinking functionality of a tumbler jar. The user may wish to eliminate cutting hazards that may be present on the rim of a tumbler jar should the rim be chipped by using a tumbler jar drinking device. The tumbler jar drinking device may be removably coupleable to an upper opening on the tumbler jar for use in drinking beverages (hot or cold) from the tumbler jar.

Referring now to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in FIG. 1, tumbler jar drinking system 100 during an ‘in-use’ condition 160 showing tumbler jar drinking device 110 wherein user 150 may consume liquid 173 from tumbler jar 170 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows an upper perspective view illustrating tumbler jar drinking device 110 comprising body 120. Body 120 may comprise inner surface 130, outer surface 135, and circumference 125. Inner surface 130 may comprise attachment means 131 and seal 132. The attachment 131 means of tumbler jar drinking system 100 may be continuous mating thread 133 to removably couple with tumbler jar 170. Other suitable attaching means may be employed. The outer surface 135 may be defined by top-end 136 and bottom-end 138. The length 145 may be perpendicular to top-end 136 and bottom-end 138, useful for providing a uniform planar surface from which to drink.

FIG. 2B shows a cross-section view illustrating tumbler jar drinking device 110 comprising inner surface 130 and outer surface 135. Outer surface 135 may comprise length 145. Outer surface 135 may further comprise top-end 136, and top-end 136 may comprise rounded surface 137. The cross section 121 of body 130 may comprise thickness 122. Rounded surface 137 of top-end 136 may comprise cross-section 121 of equal radius useful for providing smooth surface from which to drink. Further, body 130 may comprise cross-section 121 of unvarying width useful for providing uniform planar surface from which to drink.

In continuing to refer to FIG. 2B, attachment means 131 may comprise continuous mating thread 133 to removably couple with tumbler jar 170. The seal 132 of tumbler jar drinking system 100 may be an annular ring 134 useful for retaining liquid. The annular ring 134 may be structured and arranged to be adjacent to top-end 136 to prevent movement of liquid 173 through continuous mating thread 133. The annular ring 134 may be in parallel configuration to continuous mating thread 133 of attachment means 131. Annular ring 134 may comprise compressible and elastic means to engage with tumbler jar 170.

Referring now to FIG. 3, body 130 of tumbler jar drinking device 110 may comprise circumference 125 and bottom-end 138. Bottom-end 138 may comprise flat-planar surface 139.

Referring now to FIGS. 4A and 4B according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4A, shows circumference 125 of tumbler jar drinking device 110 which may comprise open area 172 useful for unrestricted access to contents of tumbler jar 170 when installed on tumbler jar vertical neck 176. Tumbler jar drinking device 110 may comprise non-porous material 174 such that rim 175 of tumbler jar 170 may be protected from breakage when dropped.

Referring now to FIG. 4B, tumbler jar drinking device 110 may be removably coupleable to opening 171 on tumbler jar 170. The tumbler jar drinking device 110 top-end 136 and bottom-end 138 may comprise equal size circumference 125 useful for mating with vertical neck 176 of tumbler jar opening 171. The tumbler jar drinking device 110 in an installed condition may be parallel to tumbler jar opening 171 on tumbler jar 170.

Tumbler jar drinking system 100 may be sold as kit 440 comprising the following parts: at least one tumbler jar drinking device 110; and at least one set of user instructions and may be sold with tumbler jars 170. The kit has instructions such that functional relationships are detailed in relation to the structure of the invention (such that the invention can be used, maintained, or the like in a preferred manner). Tumbler jar drinking system 100 may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different removable attachment means and combinations, parts may be sold separately, etc., may be sufficient.

Referring now to FIG. 5 showing flowchart 550 illustrating method of use 500 for Tumbler jar drinking system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention of FIGS. 1-4B. As shown, method of use 500 may comprise the steps of: step one 501, placing tumbler jar drinking device 110 on tumbler jar 170; step two 502, rotating tumbler jar drinking device 110 until continuous mating thread 133 may be fully engaged; and step three 503, drinking beverage 173 from an assembled tumbler jar drinking device 110 and tumbler jar 170. Tumbler jar drinking device 110 may be removed and washed as needed.

It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. The use of “step of” should not be interpreted as “step for”, in the claims herein and is not intended to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112, ¶6. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. 

What is claimed is new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:
 1. A tumbler jar drinking system comprising: a tumbler jar drinking device comprising; a body having; a circumference; an inner surface having; attachment means; and a seal; an outer surface having; a top-end having;  a rounded surface; and a bottom-end having;  a flat-planar surface; and a length; wherein said tumbler jar drinking system comprises said tumbler jar drinking device; wherein said tumbler jar drinking assembly comprises said body, said circumference, said inner surface; said outer surface and said length; wherein said inner surface comprises said attachment means and said seal; wherein said outer surface is defined by said top-end and said bottom-end; wherein said top-end comprises said rounded surface; wherein said bottom-end comprises said flat-planar surface; and wherein said tumbler jar drinking assembly is structured and arranged to provide a non-drip, smooth surface from which to drink a beverage contained in a tumbler jar.
 2. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said tumbler jar drinking device is removably coupleable to an opening on said tumbler jar.
 3. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said tumbler jar drinking device in an installed condition is parallel to said opening on said tumbler jar.
 4. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said circumference comprises an open area useful for unrestricted access to contents of said tumbler jar.
 5. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said attachment means comprises a continuous mating thread to removably couple with said tumbler jar.
 6. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said seal comprises an annular ring useful for retaining a liquid.
 7. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 6 wherein said annular ring comprises compressible and elastic means to engage with said tumbler jar.
 8. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 7 wherein said annular ring is in parallel configuration to said continuous mating thread of said attachment means.
 9. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 8 wherein said annular ring is structured and arranged to be adjacent to said top-end to prevent movement of said liquid through said continuous mating thread.
 10. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said tumbler jar drinking device comprises non-porous material.
 11. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 10 wherein said tumbler jar drinking device comprises said non-porous material such that a rim of said tumbler jar is protected from breakage when dropped.
 12. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said rounded surface comprises a cross section of equal radius useful for providing a smooth surface from which to drink.
 13. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said top-end and said bottom-end comprise equal size circumference useful for mating with said vertical neck of said tumbler jar opening.
 14. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said length is perpendicular to said top-end-and said bottom-end useful for providing a uniform planar surface from which to drink.
 15. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 1 wherein said body comprises across-section of unvarying width useful for providing a uniform planar surface from which to drink.
 16. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 15 wherein said cross section of said body comprises a thickness equal to a rim of said tumbler jar opening providing an accustomed sensation for a beverage drinker.
 17. A tumbler jar drinking system comprising: a body comprising non-porous material; said body comprising a circumference comprising an inner surface, an outer surface, and a length; said inner surface comprising attachment means and a seal; said outer surface comprising a top-end comprising a rounded surface and a bottom-end comprising a flat-planar surface; wherein said tumbler jar drinking system comprises said tumbler jar drinking device; wherein said tumbler jar drinking assembly comprises said body, said circumference, said inner surface, said outer surface and said length; wherein said inner surface comprises said attachment means and said seal; wherein said outer surface is defined by said top-end and said bottom-end; wherein said top-end comprises said rounded surface; wherein said bottom-end comprises said flat-planar surface; wherein said tumbler jar drinking assembly is structured and arranged to provide a non-drip, smooth surface from which to drink a beverage contained in a tumbler jar; wherein said tumbler jar drinking device is removably coupleable to an opening on said tumbler jar; wherein said circumference comprises an open area useful for unrestricted access to contents of said tumbler jar; wherein said attachment means comprises a continuous mating thread to removably couple with said tumbler jar; and wherein said seal comprises an annular ring useful for retaining a liquid.
 18. The tumbler jar drinking system of claim 17 further comprising a kit including: said tumbler jar drinking device; and a set of instructions.
 19. A method of using a tumbler jar drinking system comprising the steps of: placing a tumbler jar drinking device on a tumbler jar; rotating said tumbler jar drinking device until a continuous mating thread is fully engaged; and drinking a beverage from an assembled said tumbler jar drinking device and said tumbler jar.
 20. The method of claim 19 further comprising the steps of removing said tumbler jar drinking device as desired. 